Shannon Levitt, a Crystal Lake Central High School teacher, is one of 15 teachers in the state selected to be part of the 2017-18 Illinois Teaching Policy Fellowship.

CRYSTAL LAKE – A Crystal Lake Central High School teacher was selected as one of 15 educators in the state to participate in the 2017-18 Illinois Teaching Policy Fellowship.

Shannon Levitt, who was selected for the program, has taught all academic levels and ages in District 155 for 15 years, according to a District 155 news release.

The program, which runs from August through June, was created to give legislators a teacher’s perspective when developing education policies. Participants will be required to research, study and work collaboratively to discuss education policies in Illinois.

“I have wanted to get involved in policy for a couple of years,” Levitt said in a statement. “I’ll have the opportunity to meet with state and potentially national lawmakers to inform them from the teacher perspective. I’m using my expertise in the classroom to help our policymakers.”

Group members will meet in person three times throughout the year in Springfield, and virtually once a month. Their first meeting is scheduled for Aug. 18 in Bloomington.

“I’m looking forward to meeting and working with new colleagues from around the state to hear their perspectives,” Levitt said. “This will be an exciting opportunity to represent teachers and students from our area.”